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Dr Olivia Wright
Dr

Olivia Wright

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 56116

Overview

Background

Olivia is a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics and Director of Teaching and Learning at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland.

Her work sits at the intersection of nutrition science, the microbiome, and interprofessional practice, with a focus on nutritional resilience and personalised nutrition. She leads a program of research that explores how dietary patterns shape microbiome resilience and health outcomes, and how this knowledge can be translated into clinical practice, education, and policy.

Olivia’s research draws together diverse strands - including culinary nutrition, chronic disease prevention, Indigenous food systems, and AI-enabled analysis - into a cohesive program aimed at improving the lived experience of patients and communities. She has published widely in nutrition science and dietetics, and is actively pursuing national and international collaborations to advance understanding of the microbiome and its role in health resilience.

As a recognised leader in teaching and learning innovation, Olivia plays a central role in shaping the next generation of dietitians. She integrates AI, cultural safety, and inclusive design into her teaching to strengthen student confidence, belonging, and leadership. Her approach bridges education, research, and community engagement, ensuring that evidence does not just build knowledge but drives real-world impact across health systems and society.

Availability

Dr Olivia Wright is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Bachelor, Queensland University of Technology
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Member, Dietitians Association of Australia, Dietitians Association of Australia

Research interests

  • Diet–microbiome resilience and personalised nutrition

    I study how dietary patterns shape microbiome resilience and individual variability in metabolic and inflammatory outcomes.

  • Culinary nutrition: translating evidence into practice

    I design and evaluate culinary strategies that turn guidelines into practical, tasty meals for diverse populations and clinical needs. Projects span high-protein enrichment, Mediterranean-style patterns, and cost-conscious meal planning, across the life course.

  • Culturally safe, sustainable food systems

    I co-design nutrition solutions that respect First Nations knowledge and promote equitable access to uniquely Australian foods. Research links cultural safety, environmental sustainability, and food sovereignty to everyday eating.

  • AI-enabled learning and assessment in dietetics education

    I develop and study secure, culturally safe AI tools for feedback, simulation, and assessment design in health programs. Research targets belonging, capability building, and reliable evaluation of clinical and counselling skills.

Works

Search Professor Olivia Wright’s works on UQ eSpace

155 works between 2003 and 2025

81 - 100 of 155 works

2020

Book Chapter

Bioactive anthocyanins in selected fruits – a foodomics approach

Wright, Olivia R. L., Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Hong, Hung Trieu, Netzel, Gabriele, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2020). Bioactive anthocyanins in selected fruits – a foodomics approach. Reference module in food science. (pp. 1-28) Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-08-100596-5.22785-6

Bioactive anthocyanins in selected fruits – a foodomics approach

2020

Conference Publication

Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Food crops for the Future?

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh D. T., Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Food crops for the Future?. NSA Brisbane Group’s Virtual Research Showcase Events, Online, 25-26 August 2020.

Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Food crops for the Future?

2020

Conference Publication

Understanding the metabolic fate and bioactivity of dietary anthocyanins

Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). Understanding the metabolic fate and bioactivity of dietary anthocyanins. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11–13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: M D P I AG. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036064

Understanding the metabolic fate and bioactivity of dietary anthocyanins

2020

Conference Publication

How do delicious strawberries help us reach our folate goals?

Netzel, Michael, Wright, Olivia, Hong, Hung T., Rychlik, Michael and O'Hare, Tim (2020). How do delicious strawberries help us reach our folate goals?. Science Week 2020, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 17-20 August 2020.

How do delicious strawberries help us reach our folate goals?

2020

Conference Publication

A potential source of functional ingredients: Australian grown Seapurslane (Sesuvium sp.)

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh, Hong, Hung, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). A potential source of functional ingredients: Australian grown Seapurslane (Sesuvium sp.). 2020 Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) Virtual Convention, Online, 23 June - 2 July 2020.

A potential source of functional ingredients: Australian grown Seapurslane (Sesuvium sp.)

2020

Conference Publication

Exploring the ‘functionality’ of Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Seapurslane(Sesuvium sp.)

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh D. T., Hong, Hung T., Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). Exploring the ‘functionality’ of Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Seapurslane(Sesuvium sp.). Science Week 2020, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17-20 August 2020.

Exploring the ‘functionality’ of Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Seapurslane(Sesuvium sp.)

2019

Journal Article

Malnutrition screening and assessment in hospitalised older people: a review

Dent, Elsa, Hoogendijk, E. O., Visvanathan, R. and Wright, O. R.L. (2019). Malnutrition screening and assessment in hospitalised older people: a review. Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, 23 (5), 431-441. doi: 10.1007/s12603-019-1176-z

Malnutrition screening and assessment in hospitalised older people: a review

2019

Conference Publication

Understanding the nutritional value of anthocyanins

Netzel, Michael, Wright, Olivia and Netzel, Gabriele (2019). Understanding the nutritional value of anthocyanins. 42nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 27-30 November 2018. MDPI.

Understanding the nutritional value of anthocyanins

2019

Conference Publication

Designing meal plans for the foodservice sector using traditional Australian foods

Wright, Olivia, Netzel, Michael and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Designing meal plans for the foodservice sector using traditional Australian foods. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019.

Designing meal plans for the foodservice sector using traditional Australian foods

2019

Journal Article

New insights into the anorexia of ageing: from prevention to treatment

Dent, Elsa, Hoogendijk, Emiel O. and Wright, Olivia R L (2019). New insights into the anorexia of ageing: from prevention to treatment. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 22 (1), 44-51. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000525

New insights into the anorexia of ageing: from prevention to treatment

2019

Conference Publication

Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.)

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh, Hong, Hung, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2019). Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.). 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.

Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.)

2019

Conference Publication

Structurally different anthocyanidin-glycosides and their metabolic fate in vivo

Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2019). Structurally different anthocyanidin-glycosides and their metabolic fate in vivo. 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.

Structurally different anthocyanidin-glycosides and their metabolic fate in vivo

2019

Conference Publication

Nutritional value of Australian traditional foods and diet diversification from a global perspective

Netzel, Michael, Rychlik, Michael, Wright, Olivia and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2019). Nutritional value of Australian traditional foods and diet diversification from a global perspective. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019.

Nutritional value of Australian traditional foods and diet diversification from a global perspective

2018

Journal Article

Nutrition therapy for the management of cancer-related fatigue and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Baguley, Brenton J., Skinner, Tina L. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2018). Nutrition therapy for the management of cancer-related fatigue and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition, 122 (05) PII S000711451800363X, 1-15. doi: 10.1017/S000711451800363X

Nutrition therapy for the management of cancer-related fatigue and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2018

Journal Article

Response to 'Clinical relevance and validity of obesity risk prediction tools' by Redsell et al

Canfell, Oliver J., Littlewood, Robyn, Wright, Olivia R. L. and Walker, Jacqueline L. (2018). Response to 'Clinical relevance and validity of obesity risk prediction tools' by Redsell et al. Public Health Nutrition, 21 (17), 1-2. doi: 10.1017/S1368980018002471

Response to 'Clinical relevance and validity of obesity risk prediction tools' by Redsell et al

2018

Journal Article

Bioavailability of a novel form of microencapsulated bovine lactoferrin and its effect on inflammatory markers and the gut microbiome: a pilot study

Dix, Clare and Wright, Olivia (2018). Bioavailability of a novel form of microencapsulated bovine lactoferrin and its effect on inflammatory markers and the gut microbiome: a pilot study. Nutrients, 10 (8) 1115, 1115. doi: 10.3390/nu10081115

Bioavailability of a novel form of microencapsulated bovine lactoferrin and its effect on inflammatory markers and the gut microbiome: a pilot study

2018

Journal Article

Clinical relevance and validity of tools to predict infant, childhood and adulthood obesity: a systematic review

Canfell, Oliver J., Littlewood, Robyn, Wright, Olivia R. L. and Walker, Jacqueline L. (2018). Clinical relevance and validity of tools to predict infant, childhood and adulthood obesity: a systematic review. Public Health Nutrition, 21 (17), 1-13. doi: 10.1017/S1368980018001684

Clinical relevance and validity of tools to predict infant, childhood and adulthood obesity: a systematic review

2018

Journal Article

Nutritional screening and dietitian consultation rates in a geriatric evaluation and management unit

Dent, Elsa, Wright, Olivia, Hoogendijk, Emiel O and Hubbard, Ruth E (2018). Nutritional screening and dietitian consultation rates in a geriatric evaluation and management unit. Nutrition and Dietetics, 75 (1), 11-16. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12391

Nutritional screening and dietitian consultation rates in a geriatric evaluation and management unit

2018

Conference Publication

Vitamin D deficiency pre and post sleeve gastrectomy

Dix, Clare, Bauer, Judith, Agnew, Kate and Wright, Olivia (2018). Vitamin D deficiency pre and post sleeve gastrectomy. Dietitians Association of Australia, 35th National Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 17-19 May 2018. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12427

Vitamin D deficiency pre and post sleeve gastrectomy

2017

Journal Article

The role of vitamin D in adipogenesis

Dix, Clare F., Barcley, Johanna L. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2017). The role of vitamin D in adipogenesis. Nutrition Reviews, 76 (1), 47-59. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nux056

The role of vitamin D in adipogenesis

Funding

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Conservative Management of bowel disorders in a Colorectal Pelvic Floor clinic: A Randomised Crossover Trial of Dietary management and/or Physiotherapy
    Metro South Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Creating game changing graduates in nutrition and dietetics through active learning, authentic assessment and student partnerships, using Entrustable Professional Activities
    UQ Teaching Innovation Grants
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2021
    Naturally Nutritious
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    TrueNTH Australian Demonstration (TrueNTH AU)
    Movember Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Lactoferrin Trial - Additional sample analysis
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Development of a broader understanding of Vitamin D levels in patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy to inform guidelines for post-surgery supplementation
    Wesley Merdical Research
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Cellular metabolic respirometry and enzymatic assessment suite
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    The Shifting Gears Project: Active Living and Healthy Eating in Queensland Truck Drivers
    Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2017
    The impact of micronutrients on gene expression: Prostate Cancer-Lycopene (ImoGEX-PC-Lyc)TM.
    Clinical Oncological Society of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Clinical and Nutritional Biomarker Platform
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of the effect of functional beverages on body weight, blood pressure and body fat in overweight and obese adults (The QUENCH Study)
    Dr Red Nutraceuticals Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2010
    The Effect of Functional Green Tea and Coffee on Body Weight, Blood Pressure and Body Fat in Overwieght and Obese Adults
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Shedding more light on Vitamin D, obesity and insulin resistance
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Development of Quality Indicators for the frail elderly in acute care
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    Food services in residential aged care: Financial, personnel, and service delivery factors
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007
    Evaluation of the impact of an online structured geriatric assessment system
    PA Research Foundation
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Olivia Wright is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Dr Olivia Wright's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au